Bishop David A. Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh recently released a statement urging members of the U.S. Senate to remove a provision in the proposed healthcare reform bill that would severely limit health care access for those most in need.

Calling access to health care a basic human right, Bishop Zubik noted that since 1919, the Catholic bishops of the United States have called for a universal health care plan that protects every person at every stage of life.

Additionally, he noted that the Senate bill places at risk:

The 2.6 million Pennsylvania residents who receive Medicaid – including 1.1 million children, 730,000 persons with disabilities and 82,000 military veterans;

The nearly one-third of all Pennsylvania births now covered by Medicaid; and

The more than 260,000 Pennsylvania seniors who rely on Medicaid to cover nursing home and long-term in-home care not covered by Medicare.